Where are the best places for engagement photography in Brighton? That’s a question I get asked a lot as a Brighton engagement photographer – especially as some of my wedding collections include an engagement session. Thankfully we are spoilt for choice in Brighton and the surrounding areas.
I always suggest couples choose a place that has some sort of meaning to them – such as were they had a first date or got engaged – or fits in with decor of their home or wedding venue so that any framed prints will fit in beautifully. So while this list has lots of beautiful places in and around Brighton that will give you inspiration for your engagement photography, have a think of who you two are as a couple when deciding where to have these photographs taken.
Best spots for engagement photography in Brighton and surrounding areas
Brighton is a gorgeous seaside city, and if a concrete jungle isn’t your definition of being in nature, there are lots of beautiful locations in the surrounding areas.
As Brighton is such a popular location for engagement photography, I’ve rounded up the best places to take photographs to mark this exciting time in your lives.
1. Brighton Pavillon
For those seeking the iconic, Brighton Pavillon is a must. It needs no real introduction as it has lovely gardens and beautiful architecture. This is a popular spot though, so make sure opt for a morning engagement photography session to beat the crowds.
2. Brighton Pier
Head down to the pier after taking a few iconic photographs at the Brighton Pavillon. Brighton has an amazing pier that draws crowds from all over the world. There is lots to do if you want a natural and fun session, from a tasty treat to the amusements at the very end of the pier.
3. North Laine & The Lanes
North Laine is a great place to start if you want proper Brighton engagement photography. The Lanes and North Laine are so empty and peaceful before 9:30 AM, so I recommend doing the North Laine, then stopping in at the Brighton Pavillon and then The Lanes before making your way down to the seafront.
4. Brighton Bandstand
Iconic to the city, the Brighton Bandstand is a beautiful location. Because it’s so popular, I recommend mornings – but some evening I’ve been lucky to get this spot to ourselves!
5. Brighton seafront and promenade
Brighton has a fantastic promenade that makes for a lovely backdrop for your engagement photography session. I recommend walking from Brighton Pier and heading west if you want shops and crowds, and east if you seek a bit more of a secluded spot. But going early in the the morning will promise you a good amount of privacy.
6. Beachy Head
For those looking for a dramatic engagement session with stunning views, Beachy Head is a perfect choice. When the tide is low, you can also walk out to the lighthouse. It’s a bit of a longer drive outside of Brighton than the Seven Sisters and the cliff views you can get from Saltdean and Rottingdean, but well worth it.
7. Seven Sisters
I’ve got a little spot at Seven Sisters I absolutely adore for engagement sessions. It’s a short walk from a carpark behind some houses and gives beautiful views and beach access.
Check out this November engagement photographs at Seven Sisters.
Click here to see Seven Sisters engagement photographs in summer.
8. Devil’s Dyke
Devils Dyke is a fantastic spot for an engagement photography session on the South Downs as it has incredible views. And when the fog is thick, things can get pretty magical. Just look at this picture I took on my phone a few years ago to see what I mean!
9. Kipling Gardens in Rottingdean
Kipling Gardens is centrally located in Rottingdean. It is right near the high street and a short walk takes you to the seafront with the big cliffs on the distance and great views. This spot is perfect for those couples looking for a versatile engagement session. I actually photographed a surprise proposal in Kipling Gardens and truly recommend it!
10. The South Downs
Pretty much anywhere on the South Downs makes for beautiful engagement photography. See this engagement photographed at Jack and Jill Windmills, this wedding, this Newhaven engagement photography and this engagement session at Box Hill to see what I mean!
11. Leondardslee Gardens
First planted in 1801, these gardens fell into neglect until 2017 when renovation work began. Now open to the public and available for weddings, this Leondardslee Gardens is a perfect place for engagement photography. There is a lovely greenhouse, amazing gardens, and a lush pond.
12. The Chattri Monument
Think Brighton Pavilion but set in the rolling South Downs. It’s a war memorial and very secluded. It’s the perfect spot for a picnic and to spend a nice evening watching the sunset. There won’t be many crowds as it’s probably about a thirty minute walk – so do make sure you’re both wearing proper shoes.
13. Sheffield Park
Sheffield Park in Uckfield isn’t far outside of Brighton – just 30 minutes give or take. When I did an engagement photography session at Sheffield Park, my couple and I only explore maybe 10% of the park and were there for well over an hour! I’d recommend showing up at opening to beat the crowds and then after the engagement photography session, having a picnic and a stroll around the rest of the park.
14. Nymans Gardens
Nymans Gardens has a fee of £225 to have your engagement photographs taken in the gardens, but oh my goodness is it worth it! This place is heaven and I can easily spend hours taking photographs here.
15. High Beeches Woodland & Water Garden
High Beeches is a dreamy garden with so many lovely places to take photographs. The beautiful landscaping and colourful flowers and plants make you feel like you’re walking in a painting.
16. Blaker Street
For those looking for splashes of colour, Blaker Street is a one of many great places to choose from. The nice thing about this residential street is that Queen’s Park is just a quick walk away. This is a gorgeous park with a little pond and lots of greenery – one of my favourites in Brighton! You can also ramp up the backgrounds of your engagement photographs with places like The Prince Albert Pub, the basket ball court at Saunders Park Playground, Brighton Flea Market and the beach huts dotting the seafront.
17. A cafe or cocktail bar
There is something romantic about being snuggled up with a warm drink, and it is the perfect way to kick off an engagement photography session. Brighton has an amazing selection of cafe’s to choose from, and I couldn’t recommend these places enough: Cafe Rust, the garden at Block Bar, GB1 at The Grand, Flour Pot Bakery, and Chard Cafe and Restaurant.
18. Beach Huts in Lancing
The beach huts in Brighton and Hove are a popular choice, but the ones in Lancing are better. The beach huts on Lancing Beach are really big and colourful – and just really beautiful! It is often a bit less crowded here than in Brighton as well – though The Perch really does draw the crowds with their food and Ultimate Hot Chocolate.
19. Preston Park
Preston Park is a really large park in Brighton and so it’s not too hard to find a secluded spot away from the crowds. The Rose Garden at Preston Park is really lovely when in bloom as well!
20. Hove Park
Hove Park is right by BASVIK college and has some great views of the city. It is a less crowded than the other parks in the city, has lovely gardens and an open air theatre.
21 Borde Hill Garden
Talk a walk in paradise – literally. From Paradise Walk to Jay Robin’s Rose Garden and Old Potting Shed, there are 9 beautiful areas in Borde Hill Garden to propose as well as 200 acres of parkland.
22 Littlehampton’s West Beach
If you love sandy beaches and dunes, this is the closets to Brighton and oh my days is it pretty! I am itching to get a couple here for a dreamy engagement session.
23. At-home
An at-home engagement session is a brilliant choice – especially if you have a pet you’d like at your engagement shoot. This can either be inside your house, at a building site or nearby woodlands!
24. Your wedding venue
You can also have engagement photographs taken at your wedding venue! Most have beautiful gardens that change year round – so if you especially love the way the venue looks in a different season, that’s a great way to have the best of both worlds.
Best Places for Engagement Photography in Brighton
Have you booked your wedding or engagement photographer? I’d love to chat about your plans and capture lovely shots of you and your partner all loved up.
